Sunderland are set to kick off life in the third tier of English football

Back to back relegations and a terrible win record at home convinced the club to temporarily close down the top tiers of the 49,000 venue, which was rarely more than half full last term.

They will remain out of use for the foreseeable future but with season ticket sales topping 22,000 and fans talking excitedly of a new dawn following Stewart Donald’s summer takeover, suddenly there’s a feel-good factor on Wearside again.

New boss Jack Ross is hoping to work his magic just like he did at former club St Mirren.

“Players felt they wouldn’t get beat and if I can get them feeling that here, then great”

Jack Ross

“St Mirren had a dreadful home record when I took over,” said the Scot. “On matchday, the feelings towards the team were obvious.

“It was not a nice place to play but things can change quickly and we then lost once in 14 months and suddenly people were excited.

“Players felt they wouldn’t get beat and if I can get them feeling that here, then great."

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New boss Jack Ross will take charge of his first competitive game south of the Scottish border

“That’s the aim and it won’t be easy but because there’s a freshness here, they will go in without a millstone round their necks.”

Despite Sunderland’s current status, Ross is under no illusions about the size of the club.